(STATS) - Grambling State will open the 2018 season with a first-ever meeting against instate opponent UL Lafayette at Cajun Field.

The matchup will be played Sept. 1.

Grambling State went 11-1 last season, losing only to Arizona while winning the SWAC title and the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl to finish 16th in the STATS FCS Top 25. The Tigers will kick off the 2017 season at Tulane.